Decatur, IL (WAND) – Smoke from Canadian wildfires has moved into central Illinois, prompting health warnings from local medical professionals about the risks of prolonged outdoor exposure.

Carole Starzinger, a respiratory therapist with HSHS, said residents may already be noticing the effects.

“You might notice that your eyes are burning, you may notice a more frequent cough, you may notice a runny nose,” Starzinger said.

Starzinger said even a few days of elevated smoke can affect residents, particularly those with respiratory conditions such as asthma or COPD.

“Everybody should use common sense about it. If you’re outside and you notice that you’re starting to feel a little wheezy or short of breath or your nose is running or your eyes are burning, it’s probably time to get inside,” she said.

Starzinger recommended residents check their weather app for air quality readings before spending time outdoors.

“If you’re getting above 150, that’s when you really want to be most concerned. If you’re an asthma patient, you need to be concerned about 125-150. They’re really great tools,” she said.

Central Illinois air quality readings were in that range early in the week. At Nelson Park in Decatur, some residents near the water appeared unconcerned with the haze.

Starzinger said the guidance is straightforward for those who must be outside.

“Really just listen to your body. Be inside more during this time. If you have to be out, you have to be out, but limits and common sense are probably the best for this,” she said.

She also recommended setting your home’s air conditioning to recirculate, so it’s not bringing smoky air inside your home.